The CAREC Gender Climate Awards 2024 aims to recognize individuals and organizations that champion the cause of gender equality in the face of climate adversity through practical steps in local communities and national and regional settings.
Winners for the Individual Category
Azerbaijan
Elmira Farzaliyeva
Founder and CEO, Urban Nature-Based Solutions LLC
Elmira is the Founder and CEO of Urban Nature-Based Solutions LLC, a company that is passionate about transforming urban landscapes through innovative, sustainable practices that integrate nature with urban development. Her work has significantly impacted gender equality and climate resilience through innovative projects that empower women while promoting sustainable environmental practices. One key initiative involves establishing a women’s cooperative focused on sustainable solutions. By training women in climate-smart farming techniques, the cooperative has enhanced local awareness and increased women’s income, leading to greater economic independence and gender parity within the community.
People’s Republic of China
Lun Yin
Professor, Southwest Forestry University
Since 2006, Mr. Lun Yin has been carrying out community-led action projects for Tibetan women to address climate change in Tibetan villages in northwestern Yunnan Province, PRC. He published PRC’s first two academic papers on gender and climate change in 2010. Mr. Yin was featured twice by Chinese state media outlets such as China Daily and China Focus. He was invited to attend the All-China Women’s Federation congress, where he delivered a keynote speech, and in 2019, his project was selected as one of the 38 global showcase projects at the Paris Peace Forum. The awardee also has practical actions, theories and advocacy to achieve gender mainstreaming in addressing climate change.
Kazakhstan
Aruzhan Mominbayeva
Project Manager, Centre of Green Technologies LLP
Aruzhan has been working in the field of renewable energy sources (RES) since she graduated in 2017. Since then, she has been working as a project manager and her first projects were wind measurements using a 100m meteorological mast in Kazakhstan. For Aruzhan, it is important to present young female professionals in the RES sector and to inspire and motivate aspiring professionals and students to work and develop in the industry. Aruzhan attracts female professionals to her projects and pays great attention to providing university internships to students of Nazarbayev University and Kazakh-British University.
Kyrgyz Republic
Nurzat Abdyrasulova
President, UNISON Group
As a manager and energy efficiency and climate change expert at Unison Group, Nurzat has been actively involved in developing and implementing strategies that are not only gender-sensitive but also promote the role of women in the energy sector. One key example is the KyrSEFF project, where she implemented a $55 million credit line to support energy efficiency and renewable energy among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). An important element of the project was the involvement of women entrepreneurs in the energy sector, thereby enhancing their economic opportunities and strengthening their position in a traditionally male-dominated industry. She has delivered over 70 projects during her career and her experience in consulting and project management spans over 23 years. She has interacted with over 7,000 SMEs, sole proprietorships and individuals, of which over 57% were women.
Mongolia
Enkhgerel Ariunbold
CEO, Mongol Basalt JSC
Enkhgerel Ariunbold is a Forbes Mongolia-recognized businesswoman and passionate advocate for sustainable development. As the CEO of Mongol Basalt JSC, she leads the charge in producing energy-efficient construction materials, championing energy-saving renovations across Mongolia. Enkhgerel’s work is driven by the belief that economic growth and environmental responsibility can go hand-in-hand. Through her leadership at Mongol Basalt JSC, she has successfully integrated sustainable practices into the construction industry, reducing carbon footprints while promoting energy efficiency. Her co-founding of GROWOOL, a startup focused on food security through sustainable agriculture, further demonstrates her commitment to building resilient communities. Beyond business, Enkhgerel empowers the next generation through STEM education initiatives and actively participates in prominent organizations shaping Mongolia’s green landscape. Her leadership in sustainable finance at GREENCARBON Capital further solidifies her dedication to a greener future.
Pakistan
Ayesha Amin
Founder and CEO, Baithak - Challenging Taboos
With over 12 years of experience, Ayesha Amin has been at the forefront of addressing the intersection of climate change, gender justice, and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) in Pakistan—a country highly vulnerable to climate disasters. As the founder of Baithak, a grassroots, women-led, youth-driven nonprofit organization, Ayesha has worked closely with communities that are most vulnerable to climate change, particularly focusing on the needs of girls and women. Her innovative initiatives have made a measurable impact on over 500,000 girls and women.
Tajikistan
Dilbar Shermurotova
Consultant & Grant Management Coordinator for local NGOs Nuri Umed & Arzanda
Through innovative initiatives and projects, Dilbar has empowered marginalized women in rural areas to develop sustainable livelihoods that are both climate-resilient and economically viable. This work has not only improved the lives of vulnerable populations but also contributed to the broader goal of building resilient communities in the face of climate challenges and developing entrepreneurship activities. By integrating gender-sensitive approaches into climate action and developing entrepreneurship activities, Dilbar has created models that other communities can replicate. These models emphasize the importance of inclusive decision-making, access to resources, and the development of capacities that enable women to be at the forefront of climate adaptation strategies.
Uzbekistan
Feruza Alikulova
Communication Officer, UNESCO TVET Project
As a Communication Officer for UNESCO’s TVET project Skills Development for Employability in Rural Areas of Uzbekistan, Feruza is deeply committed to advancing gender equality through education and skill development. Her role involves creating impactful communication strategies that highlight the importance of vocational education and training (TVET) for women and girls in rural areas, where gender disparities in access to education and employment opportunities are most pronounced. One of the key initiatives she led was the “Build your future skills” campaign, which highlighted the importance of equipping women in rural areas with skills in sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, and eco-friendly practices. This campaign utilized innovative approaches such as storytelling through digital platforms, featuring success stories of women who had transitioned to green jobs. These stories not only inspired other women but also demonstrated the tangible benefits of integrating gender and climate considerations into skills development of irrigation and agriculture sectors.
Winners in the Organization Category
People’s Republic of China
The China Association for NGO Cooperation (CANGO) is a national, non-profit, and voluntary federation of independent social organizations. Established in 1992 with approval from the former Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation (now the Ministry of Commerce) and registered with the Ministry of Civil Affairs in 1994, CANGO is a 4A-level national social organization. It holds special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), consultative status with the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, observer status with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, and observer status with the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity. It also enjoys tax-exempt status for non-profit organizations and tax deductions for public welfare donations.
As of August 2024, CANGO has 178 domestic organizational and individual expert members. It has established exchange and cooperation relationships with over 200 foreign NGOs and international bilateral and multilateral institutions in 53 countries and regions worldwide. CANGO has conducted public welfare and charitable projects in 31 provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions in China. These projects cover areas such as rural and community development, climate change and environmental protection, gender equality, health and wellness, volunteer service, capacity building for social organizations, and public welfare research and advocacy, benefiting a total of 9.7 million people.
GEORGIA
Woman and the World works against gender discrimination, together with the women’s public radio RadioWW. Its work focuses on addressing domestic violence, environmental protection, and the rights of ethnic groups, sexual minorities, and women with disabilities. Woman and the World have been addressing environmental issues since 2018 together with RadioWW founded in 2020. The organization has hosted events centered on the activism of rural women for access to clean water and safe environment; women’s civic activism and participation in environmental protection; and empowering women entrepreneurs to overcome climate challenges and create climate-resilient farms.
KAZAKHSTAN
The Almaty University of Power Engineering and Telecommunications (AUPET) is one of the leading technical universities in Central Asia, providing educational services in the fields of power engineering, telecommunications, IT technologies and information security, space engineering, robotics and artificial intelligence. The university provides four levels of education: college, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs. AUPET maintains its Top 10 status in the National Ranking of the Best Technical Universities – 2020-2023.
The University has developed intellectual potential, excellent teaching and research platforms. Good communication channels have been established with national governmental bodies such as the Ministry of Energy, Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace Industry, Ministry of Ecology, Geology and Natural Resources, as well as national and international organizations and companies such as Kazakhstan Electric Power Association and Green Academy.
Mongolia
The Mongolian Sustainable Finance Association (MSFA), also known as the ToC Association, was established following the successful implementation of the Mongolian Sustainable Finance Initiative, which was launched in 2013 with support from the International Finance Corporation and the Netherlands Development Bank. In January 2018, MSFA was founded as an independent, member-serving NGO by the Mongolian Bankers Association. MSFA aims to promote environmentally and socially responsible practices within the Mongolian financial sector and business organizations. Its goals include establishing a sustainable finance ecosystem, creating green loan and investment infrastructure, and spearheading sustainable development and green economic growth.
PAKISTAN
The Welfare Association for New Generation (WANG) is a dedicated non-profit organization based in Lasbela, Balochistan, Pakistan. With a vision of fostering a peaceful and educated society, WANG focuses on empowering youth, promoting women’s rights, and ensuring access to quality education for all. Founded to harness the potential of communities, WANG engages in a variety of impactful programs. These include climate action initiatives that promote sustainable living and disaster risk reduction, digital inclusion efforts that bridge the technology gap in rural areas, and leadership programs that build confidence and skills among young girls and boys.
WANG’s mission is to create inclusive societies where every individual’s rights are protected. Through capacity-building workshops, advocacy campaigns, and community engagement activities, WANG mobilizes local populations to actively participate in their development and social advancement. Committed to transparency, diversity, and innovation, WANG operates with a strong network of volunteers and experienced staff. The organization has successfully implemented numerous projects, significantly improving the lives of people in Lasbela and surrounding districts.
TAJIKISTAN
Bonuvoni Fardo NGO started its activities in October 1999 and for more than 25 years has implemented more than 80 projects to support civil initiatives for gender, social and environmental justice, and women’s access to land and resources. In March 2013, the organization was re-registered with the Khatlon Region Justice Department No. 41B. The mission of the organization is to promote the rights and freedoms of citizens, especially women, to develop their self-activity, meet their social and economic needs, protect public health and nature, develop entrepreneurship and economic activity, and support citizens’ initiatives.
Regional Organisation (Kazakhstan)
Association of Shymkent Access Alumni (ASAA)
The Association of Shymkent Access Alumni, a non-government organization, has been operating since 2011. It was established by young people concerned with the development of their fellow youth. The NGO works in the areas of education, human rights, ecology, and climate change issues, and are engaged in social activities through volunteering.
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